What it is
Triethanolamine is an amino alcohol used at low levels to neutralize acidic ingredients and bring a formula to a skin-friendly pH. It is commonly used to activate carbomer thickeners into clear gels and can help form emulsions.
Safety & warnings
Used at low, regulated levels as a pH adjuster; it is alkaline in concentrate, so it is only used in small amounts in finished products.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic amino alcohol.
Questions everyone asks
What does triethanolamine do?
It balances the formula's pH and helps thicken gels made with carbomer.
Is it used in large amounts?
No, it is used at low levels just to adjust pH.